September10, 2008

Washington, DC -- House Armed Services Committee
Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following
statement on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist
attacks:

“Seven years ago, al Qaeda terrorists intent
on destroying symbols of American power ruthlessly killed
thousands of innocent people. Today, Osama bin Laden is
still at large and the security situation in Afghanistan is
deteriorating.

“The genesis of the 9/11 attacks emerged from
al Qaeda bases in Afghanistan, but the United States has not
given the war in Afghanistan the priority attention it
deserves, primarily due to our commitments in Iraq.
This is unacceptable, particularly when military and
intelligence officials predict that this volatile region is
the most likely source of a future attack against our
country.

“The current state of affairs must change
– U.S. security and the security of our allies demand
renewed focus in Afghanistan. This is a fight that we
owe to those who lost their lives on 9/11, to those who have
dedicated themselves to the fight against terror in the years
since, and to our fellow citizens today and
tomorrow.

“Although the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks
will resonate for generations, the terrorists’
coldblooded violence will never break the American spirit,
alter our values, or shake our resolve. The job of
protecting the American people is a perpetual responsibility,
but we are blessed with dedicated men and women, in uniformed
and civilian roles, who serve our nation with honor at home
and abroad. As we remember the fallen today, all of us
must renew our commitment to do all that is necessary to
protect our families, our communities, and our
nation.”